Eredità di Giovanni: Part I
Summary: Alex Rider's life has always been crazy, but up until now, it's always seemed real. Of course, since it's Alex Rider, something has to go wrong.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO READ ANY OF THIS! I'M PUTTING THIS HERE TO DEFEND MYSELF, SO IF YOU DON'T REALLY CARE, THEN START READING!
AN: I've read the Alex Rider books cover to cover, I own the movie, and I wait in anxiousness for the next book to come out. There's my AR certification. So here is the first part in my fan fiction saga, Eredità. If you don't like author ranting on, you can just scroll down and start reading.
Any other notes? Oh yes, because I've planned this to be pretty long, so be prepared to make a commitment to it if you're gonna read until the final epilogue. We're gonna manage this together. I write, you read. It would be nice if you told me what you're thinking too.
The summary sucks, I know, but that's all I can really explain. MI6 sends Alex on an unusually normal sounding mission to protect the daughter of a very important British politician. Aussi, THIS IS NOT A MARY SUE! I couldn't care less about this girl. It's what he finds while on this mission. I'm sorry for being so vague, but, if I manage to finish this, I'll provide an explanation later on.
Also, I'm gonna test you the whole way through. And I might ask for some help as to what could happen later on. And I might offend you, so if I do, tell me.
I'd really like to get opinions on what I write, so tell me. Call me weird for saying this, but I won't get completely mad at flames. If the reasons stated for disliking my work are, well, reasonable, then I'll take it into account. I want honest help here, people. So far this is all I got going for me.
Lastly (I think), I really want opinions on my writing style. You know, tell me if it sucks, it's boring, it's hard to understand, it's not attention grabbing, or if it just doesn't have any style at all. I'm terrible at anything analytical, and I really can't analyze my own writing style, but one of my weaknesses, I think, is dialogue. Again, if you aren't bored by this, I really need opinions.
So now you can go ahead, read, and get your red pens out (please?).
So, sorry if you read all that spiel, and here we go.
1: Freedom
"…So proud of all of you for completing yet another year of your education…"
"…Learning important life skills…"
"…Things will only get harder…"
"…Faith that all of you will succeed…"
Alex wasn't the only one in class who wasn't paying any attention to their teacher. What kid in his right mind would even try to listen in class, on the last day of the school year? Nervous energy was pumping through Alex. He was ecstatic for summer holidays; he could already tell Jack had the whole summer planned out. He had been asked by MI6 to not make any big plans to travel over the summer, but still, Jack wasn't going to let Alex's summer break go to waste.
"Alex!" an excited voice whispered to him. Alex turned to see his friend Tom Harris. When he caught Alex's eye, Tom nodded to the clock on the wall. Yes! Only two minutes left. Alex could practically hear his friend counting down in his head. He found that he couldn't take his eyes away from the clock as the remaining time left for school was ticking away. Why was the second hand moving so damn slowly?
They weren't the only ones anxiously awaiting the final bell that would release them all from prison. The entire class seemed poised on the edge of their seats, waiting…
The teacher didn't seem to notice the pure excitement coming off his students in waves. He really seemed to want to impress upon his students just how happy he was with their achievement.
Alex didn't need to hear it. All of his teachers had made a point of congratulating him for passing this grade. And he was just surprised as them.
Alec had been fully expecting more missions from MI6 to come up. He would be taken out of school for months, and eventually he would fall so behind in his schoolwork that he would fail this year. But, miraculously, he had not been given any sort of assignment.
As a result, Alex had come out reasonably well. All of his teachers had privately congratulated him on completing the year. He could tell they had thought the same thing as him; they had decided to themselves that Alex would not make it to the end of the year. Alex was quite relieved that he had surprised them all.
He had needed this time. He had spent months not doing anything for MI6, and he had needed that time. It had felt good to be with other children his age, to regain friends… Alex had really wanted to touch down and rediscover his normal life. While enjoying normal life however, Alex had realized that a part of him couldn't do it. A large part of his self had desired the life of a spy instead of a regular schoolboy. It was at times like this where Alex was forced to face the decision of which life he would choose if given the choice. And Alex knew which one he would choose.
RING!
Alex was startled out of reverie as the final bell rang. Immediately, all of the students in the classroom quickly moved, truly desperate for freedom. Alex grinned at Tom, who had gathered all his possessions in a matter of seconds. Alex chuckled and grabbed his bag. Together they headed out, relieved to finally be out of school.
"Can't believe I passed," said Tom. Alex grinned. The two of them had had similar marks at the end of the year. Because Tom didn't pay much attention in school and Alex had been away a lot, they were at an equal level.
"Neither can I," Alex admitted. "I was expecting to be taken out of school again." This being said, Tom glanced back at Alex.
"You're not going to work for them again, are you?" Alex wished he could say no. Instead he looked towards the school doors
"Forget it Tom. We just got out of school for an entire summer. Let's think about what we're going to do." Alex grinned at Tom, and eventually, Tom grinned back.
The two boys headed quickly to the school doors and out into the front courtyard. Everywhere, students were saying their goodbyes. Others were making plans for summer activities. Alex and Tom headed over to some of the other boys in their class, who looked much more excited than Alex felt.
"Hey Tom, Alex," said James, a boy who Alex had once been great friends with.
"James," said Alex.
"Got any plans for the summer?" asked Tom. James smiled broadly.
"My mum and dad got us plane tickets to Italy," James said proudly. While the other boys around him openly showed their awe and envy, memories of Scorpia flooded Alex's mind when the country was mentioned.
No! Don't think about that here. Alex had to remind himself that he was at school, not fighting lunatics.
"What's wrong Al'?" one of the boys piped up. Alex glanced at him. He hadn't done such a good job at hiding his fear of the dark memories. Alex shrugged it off.
"I wish I was going somewhere interesting like that," he said, and that satisfied them.
"I know what you mean," said Andy Gates, another boy in Alex's class. "I'm gonna be stuck at home too."
"It's better than Matt's summer," James told him, and, indeed, Andy seemed to brighten up. Matt Garroway seemed to shrink a little.
"What're you doin' this summer, Matt?" Tom asked.
"My parents signed me up for some camp," Matt told them gloomily. Alex didn't see what was so wrong about that.
"Is it that bad?" asked Tom.
Matt nodded. "It's all boys." Sympathetic groans echoed around the group, and Alex chuckled. It was that in moment that his phone buzzed in his pocket. He stepped away from the other boys so he could answer it.
"Hello?"
"Alex," it was Jack. "Are you out yet?" Jack sounded very excited. While Alex was definitely more stoic than his friends, Jack had enough energy to make up for it.
"We just got out."
"Great! You know, I was thinking of doing something special tonight to celebrate. Was there anything you wanted to do?"
"I think I'll leave that up to you." He heard Jack sigh on the other end.
"Alex, for a fifteen year old kid who just got out of school for the summer, you don't sound very excited."
"I'm ecstatic," Alex offered, in a very nonchalant tone.
"Good, because tonight is gonna be great."
"Of course."
"Okay, you can at least sound excited." Alex said nothing. "Actually, we've already got something scheduled for the summer."
"What is it?"
"My sister's family is going to visit. They've got plane tickets to London." Alex considered this. He couldn't exactly remember Jack ever telling him about a sister.
"Are there a lot of them?" Alex asked. He could hear Jack laughing.
"No, but she and her husband have two kids. One's four, and the other's six." Alex let out a fake gasp.
"You're letting midgets into the house?"
"I didn't say they were staying with us-"
"Are they?" Alex could hear how unwilling Jack was to admit it.
"Yes, BUT they're really nice. Honestly, they won't be too much of a nuisance." Alex bit his lip. Yes, his summer was really going to go well.
"Well, I suppose they can come. It's not really up to me, is it?"
"I would never make this decision without you, Alex."
"And when are they coming?" Jack was silent. Alex just managed to keep himself from saying, "I thought so."
"Okay, in a few days, but I was going to tell you."
"Right," Alex sighed. He looked back over to his friends, some of which were already leaving. "Jack, I got to go-"
"Wait, I need you to pick something up for me."
Nothing.
"Please?"
"What is it?"
Jack sighed in relief. She listed off a few things she needed from the grocery store, and when Alex got it, she said a quick goodbye. He hung up, and looked back at the school. Only two or three boys were left now, and they were starting to head out. Alex decided that he had better go now too. Waving goodbye to his friends, Alex head out. He decided he could walk to the closest store.
It wasn't until he was already about halfway there when he realized that Jack had tricked him; she hadn't given him the money beforehand.
Alex walked along the shelf of the store, looking for the items Jack had asked him to get. He wanted to get this over with quickly, but wondered to himself what else he could do. What was he going to do this summer? He couldn't keep doing what he'd been doing these past few weeks. He's been spending far too much time alone. He often went on long walks by himself, internally hoping that something – anything – would happen.
Nothing happened. And he missed it. He had already decided that he didn't want to receive any more missions sending him all over the world. If he ever would see Africa again, it would be on vacation. He didn't want to have to defeat any madmen. H didn't want to be dodging bullets and worrying about bombs going off around him. He was a fifteen-year-old kid! The only madmen he should be facing were unfair teachers. Alex knew for a fact he didn't want to endure that anymore.
He had decided to himself that, while he did not want the life of a spy, he just couldn't do this. He couldn't be normal. If he was still flinching at the mention of things or places, like Italy, and remembering horrid thoughts… he couldn't act like everything was normal.
Alex was continuing his internal monologue when he bumped into a girl. He hadn't even noticed her standing there.
"I'm so sorry," he said. She mumbled something along the same lines. He bent to help her pick up her stuff, only to see a large pack of… feminine products. She grabbed her stuff quickly and huffed off. Alex almost went red. Well there. Something had happened. He cursed at his luck as he gathered his items again and walked to the cash register.
The same girl was standing in front of him. He studied her. She was fairly pretty. Actually, she was quite attractive. She had smooth features, giving her a very soft look. It gave her an almost innocent air, as though she was completely trustworthy and sweet. She was pale, though Alex could see a slight tan beginning, and her cheeks were a little red, likely from makeup and not exertion. She had light brown hair, along with clearly visible red highlights. Whether it was a product of the salon or not, she was very meticulous with her hair. The waves in it seemed too perfect, as though she had spent hours perfecting it.
She turned, and that was when Alex saw a sort of grey-hazel colour in her eyes. It was about that point when Alex realized that he wasn't "checking her out" like any normal guy would be doing. He was analyzing her. After he realized that, he realized she was staring at him.
"Look," she said, in a firm tone that didn't entirely suit her features. "I'm really sorry about that. I'm usually so coordinated, but I guess I'm off today."
"It's fine, really." She smiled at him.
"Did you just get out of school?" she asked.
"Yeah," he said, and then he decided he should actually make an effort to talk to her. "I'm really looking forward to the summer. You know, I've never seen you around before. What school do you go to?"
"I don't," she informed him. "I mean I'm tutored at home. Daddy doesn't want me out in some state school." It was her turn at the register then, so she turned away from him. Alex was careful not to look at the items she was purchasing this time.
"So, do you still get a sort of vacation?" he asked.
She turned back and nodded. He saw a little grin on her mouth, as though she was teasing him. Well, now was the time to make a move if he would. Alex had to remind himself that very little harm would come out of being friendly with a girl his age. At least, she probably couldn't harm him.
"Will I see you around this summer? You know, outside of school?" he asked with more steal than he had in him at the moment. It was amazing how much harder it was to talk to a girl than it was to take on fully-grown men in hand to hand combat. It was then that she turned to him, swinging her hair in a very controlled movement. She had a smile on her face, though to Alex it seemed more like a game face. She was in full flirt mode now. She took no notice of the cashier behind her, who had already finished checking her purchase.
"I'm afraid not," she said sadly, though she didn't drop her smile. "Daddy's sending me to some summer camp." She took a step towards him. Alex carefully took in her painted face. He was tempted to step back. "But I'd be glad to get together another time."
Alex grinned and nodded. He was losing interest fast, as she was much too close for comfort. She reached out and took his hand. He hadn't seen her pull out the pen, but somehow she was there, writing her number on his hand. When she was done, she smiled up at him.
"I'll see you around." She turned around and smiled at the cashier, who seemed to be stuck between being annoyed or taken aback. She walked away and Alex stepped up to the cash register.
"By the way," she called back. Alex looked at her. "My name's Adanna."
He smiled again. "Alex."
She nodded and walked out. The cashier looked heartbroken, almost causing Alex to laugh. The man then checked Alex's purchases. Alex noticed him trying to look at his hands, attempting to see Adanna's number. Alex hurried out when he was finished, glad to be rid of this business.
As Alex walked out onto the street, still quite bright and hot, he saw a flash of red. Adanna was standing on the edge of the sidewalk, not three meters away from him. He glanced down at his hand. No, he decided. He could call later. Besides, he thought, she was already talking to someone. So Alex turned and walked away. He could hear Adanna' chatter from the other end of the block. He was about to keep walking when he heard her voice stop.
He turned and saw a man standing beside her. He was at least a foot taller than her, with shimmering, gelled blond hair. He wore a strangely long coat, one that was much too large and bulky for this weather. He watched as he spoke quietly to her. Adanna seemed to have frozen. He saw her nod, and the two turned and began walking in the other direction. As the man turned, his coat flapped open and Alex saw the flash of metal: a gun.
He didn't hesitate to follow.
AN: I feel the need to defend myself. For those of you who aren't big on Mary Sue stories, I can guarantee that this isn't going to turn into one. I'm not a big fan of those; there are too many of them on here.
Okay, so here's the thing. Every time I post a chapter, I'm going to have a question ready for you. So you have to answer that question. Sound simple enough? I'm not trying to be nosy; I just want to get to know some people on this site. I know for a fact I'm never going to actually meet some of the writers in England, say, but it'd be cool to have some more friends online. In fact, you can just give your opinion. If I ask for your most memorable memory about cheese, you can just tell me if you like it or not.
So… What is your most memorable summer memory? That's it.
For me, it was going to Ottawa (Ontario, Canada). My family and I went to see the Parliament buildings, and as we walked past the first gates, it started to pour buckets on us. We finally got under the shelter, when my mum asked me to grab a brochure from the info booth. The one that was ten steps away from the first gate. Needless to say, I got soaked.
Please review. Anything is appreciated.
Lots of love, Immy.